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The upcoming animated feature film “Batman: The Killing Joke” is coming to a theater near you… for one night only. Fathom Events is teaming up with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment to bring the highly anticipated adaptation to select theaters nationwide for one night only on Monday, July 25, 2016. The R-rated animated film will screen at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time at theaters.

In addition to the animated feature, audience members will get to experience a special introduction from Mark Hamill plus a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan. The event will conclude with a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker’s memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated for this feature.

Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said,

“Fathom Events is thrilled to be able to bring ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ to movie theaters across the country so fans can see it on the big screen. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have created an amazing production based on a beloved graphic novel, and we’re honored to be a part of this release.”

Batman: the Killing Joke is based on the graphic novel of the same name. It takes fans on a journey into the dark psyche of the iconic villain we love to hate – The Joker – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.

The film will see the return of actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. Bruce Timm also returns as executive producer. The movie also stars the voices of Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are also serving as executive producers. Alan Burnett serves as co-producer.

Tickets for Batman: The Killing Joke can be purchased online beginning Friday, June 17 by visiting FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. You can find a a complete list of theater locations by clicking here.

Batman: The Killing Joke will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 2. You can pre-order your own copy by clicking here. The film will be available on Digital HD July 23.

“Batman: The Killing Joke” is almost here and in the mean time, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have revealed all the details on the special features for the upcoming Blu-ray release. “Batman: The Killing Joke” will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 2. You can pre-order your own copyby clicking here. However, if you can’t wait for the physical release, the film will be available on Digital HD July 23.

The animated adaptation is based on the graphic novel written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland which was published in 1988 and is widely considered to be one of the best comic book stories of all time. It follows the tale of The Joker’s origin story – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comic, to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. In the tale we watch helplessly as The Joker terrorizes Commissioner Jim Gordon and ultimate paralyzes his daughter, Barbara Gordon. Although the story was not originally supposed to take place in the regular DC Comics continuity, the graphic novel wound up setting in motion the events that would lead to Barbara Gordon becoming Oracle.

Actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their “Batman: The Animated Series” roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively.

The Blu-Ray release of the animated film will include:

An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie

Featurette – Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song.

Featurette – Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come. Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style. We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation.

From the DC Comics Vault – Two 22-minute episodes:

The New Batman Adventures – “Old Wounds”

Batman: The Animated Series – “Christmas with The Joker”

“Batman: The Killing Joke” is rated R, an indication that the animated film will be sticking to the graphic novel’s violent, controversial story. This makes the film the first non-PG/PG-13 rated movie in the nine-year history of the DC Universe Original Movie franchise.

While we had a pseudo first trailer for this a few weeks ago made by a fan, this is the first legit and official trailer for Batman: The Killing Joke and it is amazing.

The animated adaptation of the graphic novel features Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker from the ‘90s animated series which is amazing in and of itself. But what really shines is the story it self and how the trailer already appears like the film will bring it alive.

Not to mention how unique this film is. Not only is the animation style one we haven’t seen in probably decades but it is also an animated film that is rated R. That is something we almost NEVER see. And it isn’t rated R for cursing or nudity or anything like that, but for the dark and adult themes which makes this even rarer. That is what is giving fans such high hopes and expectations for this adaptation. It seems to be everything we wanted.

Let’s hope it holds a candle to our expectations.

Batman: The Killing Joke will premiere at San Diego Comic Con in July. Its wider release date has yet to be announced. You can watch the trailer below.

The Batman graphic novel series, “Batman: The Killing Joke” was one the best ever and we are getting an animated adaptation of the series. Which is interesting considering how dark and uncomfortable and adult that series was.

However, the upcoming adaptation has a pseudo trailer for Batman: The Killing Joke. I say pseudo because it appears as if while the clips are genuine to the upcoming project, the actual trailer is fan-made.

Batman: The Killing Joke is an origin story for the supervillain the Joker. The graphic novel is a loose adaptation of the 1951 story arc “The Man Behind the Red Hood!” The story takes place over two timelines and depicts the Joker attempting to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman’s desperate attempt to stop him. The series was created and written by Alan Moore. One of the reasons “The Killing Joke” was so well recieved is that it humanized the Joker into a tragic figure in the Batman universe. He was a family man and failed comedian who suffered “one bad day” that finally drove him insane. However, it is also incredibly dark including the shooting and paralysis of Barbara Gordon (a.k.a. Batgirl), an event that laid the groundwork for her to develop the identity of Oracle, as well as the possible sexual assault of Barbara.

“The Killing Joke” won the Eisner Award for ‘Best Graphic Album’ in 1989 and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List in May 2009.

At this year’s San Diego Comic Con, it was announced that an animated movie is being developed based on the graphic novel, “Batman: The Killing Joke.” The news was announced by DC Comics’ Bruce Timm during the “Justice League: Gods and Monsters” panel.

“Batman: The Killing Joke” is one of the most popular Batman graphic novels. It was created by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland, It is gritty with incredibly dark themes and tones.

It was first published in 1988 and has remained in print since. It provides a new origin story for the Joker, depicting him as a failed stand-up comedian who agrees to aid a gang of criminals and is thwarted by the superhero Batman before being disfigured; in doing so he is driven insane and attains his supervillain persona. It also features Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl and some psychological ramifications that she experiences as well.

The comic won the Eisner Award for ‘Best Graphic Album’ in 1989 and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List in May 2009. In 2006, The Killing Joke was reprinted as part of the trade paperback DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore. In 2008, DC Comics reprinted the story in a deluxe hardcover edition, which features new coloring by Bolland, with a more somber, realistic, and subdued palette than the original.

Not much is known about the animated film at the moment or how much of the source material it will remain faithful. It is expected to be released next year some time.